Image forming apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program

ABSTRACT

A multifunction peripheral includes a printer and a panel. The printer may perform a print process based on a print job and a process of printing an eco-report. The panel may simultaneously display a print instruction screen and a notification screen. The panel may instruct the print process based on a print job when the two screens are simultaneously displayed.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus which formsan image on a printing material. The image forming apparatus is used asa copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction peripheral having aplurality of functions, such as a function of the copier, a function ofthe printer, and a function of the facsimile.

Description of the Related Art

In general, image forming apparatuses perform printing (image formation)on a sheet (a printing material) based on print information input by auser. The print information input by a user is transmitted from anexternal information terminal by the user, for example, and is based onimage information read by a scanner in accordance with a user'soperation, for example.

Furthermore, image forming apparatuses which execute printing based onprint information input by a user and execute printing independentlyfrom the print information input by the user have been used. JapanesePatent Laid-Open No. 2000-318266 discloses an image forming apparatushaving a calibration function for reducing variation of a printcharacteristic. When calibration is to be performed in this imageforming apparatus, first, a patch image is printed on a sheet, andthereafter, the patch image on the sheet is scanned so that calibrationdata is generated. An image for printing is corrected using thecalibration data, and therefore, the image forming apparatus may performprinting with desired quality. Since the print characteristic of theimage forming apparatus changes with time, the calibration data ispreferably updated with time. The image forming apparatus disclosed inJapanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-318266 has a function of displaying anotification screen for prompting generation of new calibration data onan operation panel when a predetermined period of time elapses afterlatest calibration data is generated. In this notification screen, whena user determines whether calibration data is to be newly generated, thedisplay is cancelled. When the display of the notification screen iscancelled, the user may operate the operation panel so as to use variousfunctions.

The image forming apparatus which displays the notification screen forrequesting selection performed by the user has poor operability for theuser who performs an operation different from content of thenotification. In a case where a notification screen prompting printingof a report relating to a use state of the apparatus is displayed in theoperation panel, for example, the user who desires to perform printingbased on print information cancels the display of the notificationscreen before performing a print instruction which is troublesome.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus in whichdeterioration of operability caused by a notification of information issuppressed.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an image formingapparatus includes an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheetand a display unit for displaying information for a user. The imageforming apparatus includes a controller having a processor for executinginstructions stored in a memory or having circuitry and being configuredto display, on the display unit, a screen including a first displayregion for displaying a notification for prompting execution of a printprocess based on predetermined information and a second display regionfor causing the user to select print data, receive an instruction forexecuting the print process based on the predetermined information afterthe screen is displayed and cause the image forming unit to form animage based on the predetermined information, and receive an instructionfor executing the print process on the selected print data after thescreen is displayed and cause the image forming unit to form an imagebased on the selected print data.

Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of amultifunction printer/peripheral.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data storage configuration of arandom access memory.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an eco-report.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a processing step of eco-report printing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a step of an eco-report layout generationprocess.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process performed when power is on.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process at a time of return from a powersaving state.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a notification process for prompting theeco-report printing.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation panel.

FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a user selection screen, FIG. 10B isa diagram illustrating a password input screen, FIG. 10C is a diagramillustrating a function selection screen, and FIG. 10D is a diagramillustrating a print instruction screen.

FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a copy instruction screen, FIG. 11Bis a diagram illustrating a scan instruction screen, FIG. 11C is adiagram illustrating a print instruction screen in a case where anotification screen is not displayed, and FIG. 11D is a diagramillustrating a confirmation screen of the eco-report printing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In thisembodiment, a multifunction printer or a multifunction peripheral (MFP)100 is taken as an example of an image forming apparatus. Note that arange in which the present disclosure is employed is not limited to aconfiguration of this embodiment. Portions of the configuration may bereplaced by equivalents as long as effects of the disclosure areobtained.

Embodiment

Printer Configuration

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of theMFP 100.

The MFP 100 is an image forming apparatus (a printing apparatus)employed in an image forming system for forming (printing) an image on arecording material (a sheet, recording paper, or a form). As illustratedin FIG. 1, the MFP 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, aread only memory (ROM) 102, a random access memory (RAM) 103, a panel104, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 105, an image processor 106, ascanner 107, and a printer 108. The MFP 100 further includes a modem109, a wired LAN communication unit 110, a wireless LAN communicationunit 111, a universal serial bus (USB) 112, and a power 117. Thecomponents described above are connected to one another through a systembus 113 in a communication available manner. The MFP 100 is connected toa public line network 114, a network 115, and a personal computer (PC)116 in a communication available manner.

The CPU (or a calculation processing unit) 101 performs a calculationprocess. The CPU 101 integrally controls the devices connected to thesystem bus 113. The CPU 101 executes various processes based on firmwaremodules stored in the ROM 102. Note that at least two firmware modulesare stored, and update may be performed for each module. Furthermore,the CPU 101 executes processes of flowcharts described below based onthe firmware modules functioning as control programs. As the calculationprocessing unit, a micro processing unit (MPU), a micro control unit(MCU), or the like device may be used.

The ROM 102 is a storage unit which stores boot programs of the firmwaremodules and the system.

The RAM 103 is a storage unit which functions as a main memory and awork area of the CPU 101. In this embodiment, a nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM)is used as the RAM 103. The RAM 103 stores programs such as systemsoftware and application software and various data. Furthermore, the RAM103 is used as a memory in which backup is available for savingapparatus settings.

The panel 104 is a user interface (an operation unit, an operationpanel, or an instruction unit) operable by a user. The operation unitincludes a power switch, a numeric keypad, one-touch keys, a start key,a stop key, a set key, a reset key, a power saving key, various settingkeys, and a light emitting diode (LED), for example. FIG. 9 is a diagramillustrating a configuration of the panel 104. The panel 104 of thisembodiment includes a touch panel 901 and hardware keys (physicalbuttons) including a reset key 902, a start key 903, a stop key 904, anumeric keypad 905, a power saving key 906, and a power switch 907 whichare to be pressed.

In addition to the LCD 105, the touch panel 901 includes a sensor (notillustrated) employing a resistance film pressure method or anelectrostatic capacitance method as a detection unit which detects atouch operation performed by a user. The LCD 105 is a liquid crystalscreen (a display unit) which displays information for the user. Anydevice may be used as the LCD 105 as long as information may bedisplayed in a screen. The LCD 105 displays a message and an object (anicon or a button) for the user so as to prompt the user to perform aninstruction operation. For example, the object (the icon or the button)is displayed in the liquid crystal screen of the touch panel 901, andthe sensor detects a touch in the vicinity of the object by the user. Inthis case, the touch panel 901 recognizes that the user has performed atouch operation to select the object. The touch panel 901 mayselectively display a plurality of screens by switching the screens fromone to another in accordance with a touch operation.

The reset key 902 is a button used for cancel of an instruction or asetting and for return to a preceding screen. The start key 903 is abutton used to determine an execution of copying or printing. The stopkey 904 is a button used to stop printing being performed. The numerickeypad 905 includes buttons used to input a password and a telephonenumber. The power saving key 906 is a button used to switch a powersaving state of the MFP 100. When the power saving key 906 is pressed,the MFP 100 is brought into a sleep state from a standby state orbrought into a standby state from a sleep state. The power switch 907 isa seesaw switch for performing switching between ON and OFF of the MFP100. When the power switch 907 is turned on, electric power is suppliedto the MFP 100. When the power switch 907 is turned off, the supply ofthe electric power to the MFP 100 is stopped and the MFP 100 is broughtinto a shutdown state.

The image processor 106 is a circuit which executes image processingunder control of the CPU 101. The image processor 106 decodes print data(a print job and print information) received from an external apparatusso as to convert the data into raw data, for example. The imageprocessor 106 compresses an image read by the scanner 107 into JPEGdata, for example.

The scanner 107 may be a reading apparatus or a reading unit whichperforms a process of reading an image of a document by an opticalsensor. The scanner 107 reads the document so as to generate image data.The generated image data is used as print data for printing, forexample. Note that an auto document feeder may be attached to thescanner 107 so that a plurality of documents are automatically read.

The printer 108 has a machine mechanism which forms an image on arecording material (a sheet or a form) based on print information andfunctions as an image forming unit. The printer 108 of this embodimentemploys an electrophotographic method. The printer 108 may have amachine mechanism employing another method, such as an inkjet method,instead of the electrophotographic method, as long as an image may beformed on a sheet.

The modem 109 is a communication interface for connection to the publicline network 114. The modem 109 has a data conversion function forcommunication of facsimile data.

The wired LAN communication unit 110 is a communication interface forconnection to the network 115 through a wired LAN in a communicationavailable manner. The wired LAN communication unit 110 controls anetwork interface so as to perform communication of data with otherterminals and servers on the network. The PC 116 is connected to thenetwork 115 in a communication available manner.

The wireless LAN communication unit 111 is a communication interface forconnection to the network 115 through a wireless LAN. The wireless LANcommunication unit 111 may be connected to a wireless LAN router (notillustrated) using a wireless LAN communication function. Then thewireless LAN communication unit 111 may be connected to the network 115through the wireless LAN router in a communication available manner.

The USB 112 is a communication interface having a USB device function.The USB 112 may be connected to the PC 116 through a USB cable (notillustrated) in a communication available manner. Then the USB 112 mayreceive a function instruction, such as a scan instruction or a printinstruction, from the PC 116.

The wired LAN communication unit 110, the wireless LAN communicationunit 111, and the USB 112 are a reception unit which receives printinformation (a print job or print data) transmitted from the PC 116 (anexternal information terminal) in response to an instruction issued by auser. The received print information is stored in the RAM 103. Note thata large-capacity storage device, such as an HDD, may be provided so asto store the print information.

The power 117 is a power source which supplies electric power to thecomponents of the MFP 100. The power 117 may has a running state, astandby state, a sleep state, and a shutdown state.

In the running state, electric power is supplied to the components ofthe MFP 100 so that printing is executable. The power 117 supplieselectric power to the components below in the running state. Thecomponents includes the CPU 101, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the panel104, the LCD 105, the image processor 106, at least one of the scanner107 and the printer 108, the modem 109, the wired LAN communication unit110, the wireless LAN communication unit 111, the USB 112, and a counter118.

In the standby state, electric power is supplied to a portion near acontroller of the MFP 100 so that print data is processed. The power 117supplies electric power to the components below in the standby state.The components includes the CPU 101, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the panel104, the LCD 105, the image processor 106, the modem 109, the wired LANcommunication unit 110, the wireless LAN communication unit 111, the USB112, and the counter 118.

In the sleep state, when a print job is input, the sleep state returns(is recovered) to the standby state. Therefore, electric power issupplied to a minimum of portions of the MFP 100 in the sleep state. Inthe sleep state, the power 117 supplies electric power to the powersaving key 906 of the panel 104, the modem 109, the wired LANcommunication unit 110, and the wireless LAN communication unit 111.

In the shutdown state, the MFP 100 does not operate and electric poweris not supplied to the components of the MFP 100.

The counter 118 is a timekeeping unit which measures an elapsed time.The counter 118 may obtain a current date in addition to a time bycontinuously counting time which elapses from an initial setting value.The CPU 101 functions as a time information obtaining unit which obtainsa current time from the counter 118.

Data

Next, a configuration of the RAM 103 will be described in detail. FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the RAM 103 of thisembodiment. The RAM 103 has storage regions which store various data.Examples of the storage regions which store information on a statusinclude a start time 211. The start time 211 corresponds to a regionwhich stores data indicating a date and time when the apparatus shippedfrom a factory performs printing for the first time in a location of theuser.

Examples of storage regions for storing information (history informationof printing) associated with the number of printed sheets include atotal print number 212, a total copy number 213, a total PC recordingnumber 214, and a total FAX recording number 215. The total print number212 corresponds to a region which stores data indicating the totalnumber of sheets printed by the apparatus. The total copy number 213corresponds to a region which stores information on the total number ofsheets copied by the apparatus. The total PC recording number 214corresponds to a region which stores information on the total number ofsheets printed by the apparatus in response to a print instructionissued by the PC 116. The total FAX recording number 215 corresponds toa region which stores information on the total number of sheets recordedby the apparatus in response to reception of FAX documents.

The RAM 103 includes an 1in1 (1on1) storage region 201, a 2in1 (2on1)storage region 202, and a 4in1 (4on1) storage region 203 as storageregions which store number information for individual types of printing.

The 1in1 storage region 201 stores information on the numbers of sheetsprinted in 1IN1 printing in which original data for one page is recordedon one surface. Examples of storage regions of the 1in1 storage region201 include a single-sided copy number 221, a two-sided copy number 222,a single-sided PC recording number 223, a two-sided PC recording number224, a single-sided FAX recording number 225, and a two-sided FAXrecording number 226.

The 2in1 storage region 202 stores information on the numbers of sheetsprinted in 2IN1 printing in which original data for two pages isrecorded on one surface. Examples of storage regions of the 2in1 storageregion 202 include a single-sided copy number 231, a two-sided copynumber 232, a single-sided PC recording number 233, and a two-sided PCrecording number 234.

The 4in1 storage region 203 stores information on the numbers of sheetsprinted in 4IN1 printing in which original data for four pages isrecorded on one surface. Examples of storage regions of the 4in1 storageregion 203 include a single-sided copy number 241, a two-sided copynumber 242, a single-sided PC recording number 243, and a two-sided PCrecording number 244.

Examples of a storage region for information associated with the numberof two-sided printed sheets include a total two-sided copy number 251, atotal two-sided PC recording number 252, and a total two-sided FAXrecording number 253. The total two-sided copy number 251 corresponds toa region which stores information on the total number of sheets copiedby the apparatus in a two-sided manner. The total two-sided PC recordingnumber 252 corresponds to a region which stores information on the totalnumber of sheets printed by the apparatus in a two-sided manner inresponse to a print instruction issued from the PC 116. The totaltwo-sided FAX recording number 253 corresponds to a region which storesinformation on the total number of sheets obtained as a result oftwo-sided printing performed on received FAX documents. The numbers ofsheets described above are calculated (counted) by the CPU 101 andstored and updated in the RAM 103 as the information every timecorresponding printing operations are performed. The CPU 101 functionsas a history information obtaining unit which reads history informationfrom the RAM 103. Examples of the history information include the totalprint number 212, the total copy number 213, the total PC recordingnumber 214, the total FAX recording number 215, the 1in1 storage region201, the 2in1 storage region 202, the 4in1 storage region 203, the totaltwo-sided copy number 251, the total two-sided PC recording number 252,and the total two-sided FAX recording number 253.

Examples of information on setting values of the MFP 100 include aneco-report recommendation notification time 261 and an eco-report lastprinting date and time 262.

The eco-report recommendation notification time 261 corresponds to astorage region which stores information on a time point when anotification for prompting eco-report printing is to be transmitted tothe user. After the notification for prompting the eco-report printingis transmitted, the CPU 101 updates the eco-report recommendationnotification time 261 to information on a time point when a nextnotification is to be performed.

The eco-report last printing date and time 262 corresponds to a storageregion which stores information on a date and time when a lasteco-report is printed.

Eco-Report

Next, an eco-report 300 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a diagramillustrating a configuration of the eco-report 300 printed in thisembodiment. The MFP 100 has an eco-report function. The eco-reportfunction enables printing of a list of information on use states of theapparatus. In the eco-report 300, the number of printed sheets in amonth is described, for example. The user may realize a current state bychecking the eco-report 300 and perform a setting for suppressing thenumber of sheets to be printed.

The eco-report 300 includes a title portion 301, a sheet saving portionincluding reference numerals 302 to 307, and a power saving portionincluding reference numerals 308 to 310.

The sheet saving portion includes a title 302, a use state 303, and asuggestion portion 307. The title 302 includes a title for promptingsaving of sheets. The use state 303 includes use states of printingfunctions. The use state 303 includes a total output number 304, atwo-sided output number 305, and a page aggregate output number 306.

The total output number 304 includes the number of sheets printed by acopy function, the number of sheets printed by a print function, and thenumber of sheets printed by a FAX function. The two-sided output number305 includes the number of sheets printed in a two-sided manner by thecopy function and a rate thereof, the number of sheets printed in thetwo-sided manner by the print function and a rate thereof, and thenumber of sheets printed in the two-sided manner by the FAX function anda rate thereof. The page aggregate output number 306 includes the numberof sheets printed in a two-sided manner by the copy function and a ratethereof, and the number of sheets printed in the two-sided manner by theprint function and a rate thereof. Examples of the page aggregateprinting include the 2IN1 printing for collectively printing twodocuments in one sheet and the 4IN1 printing for collectively printingfour documents in one sheet. In this embodiment, the numbers of printedsheets described in the eco-report 300 are obtained after the MFP 100 isoperated. However, the numbers of printed sheets described in theeco-report 300 may be obtained by extracting only the numbers of sheetsprinted within a predetermined period of time. For example, the numbersof sheets printed in one month may be described as the numbers ofprinted sheets. In the suggestion portion 307, suggestions for enhancinga sheet saving effect are described. Examples of the suggestions includea suggestion for prompting use of the two-sided printing and asuggestion for use of the page aggregate printing.

The power saving portion includes a title 308, a use state 309, and asuggestion portion 310. The title 308 includes a title for promptingsaving of power. The use state 309 includes a current power consumptionstate and estimation results of power consumption obtained when settingsdescribed in the power saving suggestion portion 310 are performed.Information on the power consumption (electric power information) isgenerated by the CPU 101 based on used power of the power 117 within apredetermined period of time and stored in the RAM 103 in advance. Inthis case, the CPU 101 functions as an electric power informationobtaining unit.

The suggestion portion 310 includes suggestions for enhancing a powersaving effect. Examples of the suggestions include a suggestion forprompting use of the page aggregate printing and a suggestion forprompting use of the power save mode in the wireless LAN communicationunit 111.

Eco-Report Printing Process

Next, a process of printing the eco-report 300 described above will bedescribed. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an eco-report printing processaccording to this embodiment.

The eco-report printing is executed when the user operates the panel 104so as to select an eco-report printing function in a report printingmenu. Alternatively, the eco-report printing is executed when apredetermined operation is performed during a notification process ofprompting the eco-report printing described below.

When the eco-report printing function is selected, the CPU 101 performsa layout generation process for the eco-report 300 (S401). Layout of theeco-report 300 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Subsequently, the CPU 101causes the printer 108 to execute a print process based on the generatedreport data (S402). Thereafter, the CPU 101 stores information on a dateand time of the printing of the eco-report 300 in the eco-report lastprinting date and time 262 in the RAM 103 before terminating the process(S403).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the eco-report layout generation process instep S401 according to this embodiment.

When starting the layout generation process, the CPU 101 generates thetitle portion 301 of the eco-report 300 (S501). Specifically, the CPU101 develops information on the title portion 301 stored in the ROM 102as font data and stores the font data in a specific position in aneco-report output area in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the CPU 101 generatesthe sheet saving title 302 of the eco-report 300 (S502). The CPU 101develops information on the sheet saving title 302 stored in the ROM 102as font data and stores the font data in a specific position in theeco-report output area in the RAM 103.

The CPU 101 calculates the numbers of printed sheets described in theuse state 303 of the printing function (S503). In a case where the totaloutput number 304 in copy is to be obtained, for example, the CPU 101uses information on the total copy number 213 in the RAM 103 as it is.In a case where the two-sided output number 305 in copy is to beobtained, for example, the CPU 101 uses information on the totaltwo-sided copy number 251 in the RAM 103 as it is. In a case where arate of a total two-sided copy number to the total copy number is to beobtained, for example, the CPU 101 divides the total two-sided copynumber 251 by the total copy number 213. In a case where the pageaggregate output number 306 in copy is to be obtained, the CPU 101obtains a sum of the single-sided copy number 231 of the 2IN1 copy, thetwo-sided copy number 232 of the 2IN1 copy, the single-sided copy number241 of the 4IN1 copy, and the two-sided copy number 242 of the 4IN1copy. The CPU 101 may obtain a rate of the page aggregate number to thetotal copy number by dividing a value of the obtained sum by the totalcopy number 213. The CPU 101 performs this operation on the PC printingand the FAX printing so as to calculate the use states in the eco-report300.

The CPU 101 generates the print use state 303 (S504). The CPU 101 readsa table format and text information to be displayed from the RAM 103 andstores the table format and the text information in specific portions inthe eco-report output area of the RAM 103. When information, such as thenumber of printed sheets or a rate is to be output, the CPU 101 developsthe font data in accordance with data obtained as a result of thecalculation in step S503 and stores the font data in a specific positionof the eco-report output area in the RAM 103.

The CPU 101 generates the sheet saving suggestion portion 307 (S505).Specifically, the CPU 101 reads information on the sheet savingsuggestion portion 307 stored in the ROM 102, develops the informationas font data, and stores the font data in a specific position in theeco-report output area in the RAM 103.

Thereafter, the CPU 101 generates the power saving title 308 of theeco-report 300 (S506). Specifically, the CPU 101 reads information onthe power saving title portion 308 stored in the ROM 102, develops theinformation as font data, and stores the font data in a specificposition in the eco-report output area in the RAM 103.

The CPU 101 calculates a power use amount to be described in the poweruse state 309 (S507). Furthermore, the CPU 101 estimates power useamounts obtained if suggestions for power saving are realized.Subsequently, the CPU 101 generates the power use state 309 (S508). TheCPU 101 reads information on a table format and text information to bedisplayed from the RAM 103, develops the table format and the textinformation as font data, and stores the font data in specific portionsin the eco-report output area of the RAM 103. The CPU 101 develops thefont data in accordance with data on a result of the calculations of thepower use amounts and stores the font data in specific positions in theeco-report output area of the RAM 103.

The CPU 101 generates the power saving suggestion portion 310 (S509).Specifically, the CPU 101 reads information on the power savingsuggestion portion 310 stored in the ROM 102, develops the informationas font data, and stores the font data in a specific position in theeco-report output area in the RAM 103.

Eco-Report Notification Screen

Next, an eco-report notification screen will be described. In thisembodiment, a notification screen for prompting printing of theeco-report 300 may be displayed on the panel 104. The user may operatethe panel 104 so as to issue another instruction in a state in which thenotification is displayed on the panel 104. Specifically, thenotification does not disturb any operation performed by the user on thepanel 104. Hereinafter, the eco-report notification screen will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a user selection screen, FIG. 10B isa diagram illustrating a password input screen, FIG. 10C is a diagramillustrating a function selection screen, and FIG. 10D is a diagramillustrating a print instruction screen. FIG. 11A is a diagramillustrating a copy instruction screen, FIG. 11B is a diagramillustrating a scan instruction screen, FIG. 11C is a diagramillustrating a print instruction screen in a case where the notificationscreen is not displayed, and FIG. 11D is a diagram illustrating aconfirmation screen of the eco-report printing.

When the MFP 100 in a shutdown state is activated or when the MFP 100returns from a sleep state by pressing a power saving button, the touchpanel 901 is turned on and a user selection screen 1010 is displayed.Specifically, the touch panel 901 performs a transition process from ascreen display disabling (display unavailable) state to a screen displayenabling state.

The selection screen 1010 is used to authenticate an operation user whooperates the panel 104 (a login region or a user selection region). Theselection screen 1010 includes user icons 1011 to 1013 arranged thereonbased on user information registered in advance. When one of the usericons 1011 to 1013 is selected, a password input screen 1020 isdisplayed on the touch panel 901 as illustrated in FIG. 10B.

The input screen 1020 is used to prompt the user to input a password(the login region or a password input region). The input screen 1020includes an input form 1021 for inputting a password and an OK button1022. When a password is input to the input form 1021 and the OK button1022 is selected, an authentication process is started. In theauthentication process, the CPU 101 compares a combination of theselected user icon and the input password with authenticationinformation stored in advance in the RAM 103. In this case, the CPU 101functions as an authentication unit. When the authentication fails, theinput screen 1020 is displayed on the touch panel 901 again, whereaswhen the authentication is successfully performed, a function selectionscreen 1030 is displayed on the touch panel 901 as illustrated in FIG.10C.

The function selection screen 1030 is used to select a desired functionfrom among functions executable by the MFP 100 (a selection region). TheMFP 100 of this embodiment includes the scanner 107 and the printer 108,and a copy function, a scan function, and a print function areavailable. The selection screen 1030 includes a copy function selectionbutton 1031, a scan function selection button 1032, and a print functionselection button 1033 arranged thereon.

When one of the function buttons is selected in the function selectionscreen 1030, a function screen is displayed on the touch panel 901.Specifically, when the print function selection button 1033 is selected,a print instruction screen 1040 is displayed. When the copy functionselection button 1031 is selected, a copy instruction screen 1100illustrated in FIG. 11A is displayed. When the scan function selectionbutton 1032 is selected, a scan instruction screen 1110 illustrated inFIG. 11B is displayed.

The instruction screen 1040 is used to instruct execution of printing (aprint process) (an instruction region). The instruction screen 1040includes a list 1042 of print jobs associated with the authenticateduser and a print execution button 1041. The print jobs are transmittedfrom the PC (an external information terminal) 116 operated by the userthrough a network. The user may instruct the MFP 100 to perform printingby operating the panel 104 so as to select one of the jobs in the list1042 and selecting the execution button 1041. Furthermore, the user mayinstruct the MFP 100 to perform printing by operating the panel 104 soas to select one of the jobs in the list 1042 and selecting the startkey 903.

The instruction screen 1100 is used to instruct execution of copy (acopy process). The instruction screen 1100 includes a setting buttongroup 1102 used to perform various settings and an execution button 1101arranged thereon.

The instruction screen 1110 is used to instruct execution of scanning (areading process). The copy instruction screen 1110 includes a settingbutton group 1112 used to perform various settings and an executionbutton 1111 arranged thereon.

Note that, if a certain condition described below is satisfied when theselection screen 1010, the input screen 1020, the selection screen 1030,or the instruction screen 1040 is displayed, an eco-report notificationscreen 1000 is displayed. A case where the instruction screen 1040 isdisplayed will be described hereinafter as a representative of thefunction screens.

The notification screen 1000 is used to prompt printing of theeco-report 300 (a notification region). The notification screen 1000includes text for prompting execution of the eco-report 300 and a reportexecution button 1001 arranged thereon. The notification screen 1000 isa sub-screen displayed on a portion of a main screen, such as theselection screen 1010, the input screen 1020, the selection screen 1030,or the print instruction screen 1040, in an overlapping manner (anoverlapping process). Specifically, on the touch panel 901, both of thenotification screen 1000 and the main screen are simultaneouslydisplayed. If the notification screen 1000 is overlapped on the mainscreen, it may be difficult to recognize information displayed on themain screen. In particular, an amount of information displayed in thefunction screen, such as the print instruction screen 1040, is large,and therefore, a portion of the information may be hidden. Accordingly,an instruction screen 1120 illustrated in FIG. 11C which does notinclude the notification screen 1000 and the instruction screen 1040 maybe alternately displayed. Specifically, the notification screen 1000flickers at this time. With this configuration, even in a case where aregion of a screen which may display the touch panel 901 is small, thenotification screen 1000 may be displayed. Furthermore, the notificationscreen 1000 may be displayed in parallel to the main screen withoutbeing overlapped on the main screen. In this case, a display region forthe main screen becomes small when the notification screen 1000 isdisplayed, and therefore, the main screen is displayed in a sizereduction manner.

When the user selects the execution button 1001 or performs a long presson the reset key 902 (continuously presses the reset key 902 for apredetermined period of time), the eco-report printing is started.Specifically, when the start key 903 is pressed while the instructionscreen 1040 and the notification screen 1000 are displayed, a process ofprinting a print job input by the user is executed. On the other hand,when the reset key 902 is pressed when the instruction screen 1040 andthe notification screen 1000 are displayed, the process of printing theeco-report 300 is executed. Since the different physical keys areassigned, an error in operation by the user may be suppressed.Similarly, even in the instruction screens 1100 and 1110, differentphysical keys having different functions may be provided. Furthermore,in this embodiment, a name “report” is assigned to the execution button1001 and a name “print” is assigned to the print execution button 1041.Since the different display names are assigned in this way, operationmistakes by the user may be suppressed.

Note that, when the execution button 1001 or the reset key 902 isselected, a confirmation screen 1130 for checking the eco-reportprinting may be displayed on the touch panel 901 as illustrated in FIG.11D. In this case, when an approval button 1131 is selected in thedisplayed confirmation screen 1130, the eco-report printing is started.When a disapproval button 1132 is selected, the eco-report printing isnot started. Note that, when the disapproval button 1132 is selected,the notification screen 1000 may not be displayed. When the confirmationscreen 1130 is not displayed, a response property of the eco-reportprinting may be improved. On the other hand, when the confirmationscreen 1130 is displayed, a printing error of the eco-report 300 due toan error touch may be suppressed.

Eco-Report Notification Control

Next, control of a notification for prompting the eco-report printingwill be described in detail. In this embodiment, this notification isperiodically transmitted once a month, and therefore, the user mayperiodically output the eco-report 300 based on the notification.Furthermore, the notification disappears after a certain time elapses.Alternatively, this notification disappears when the eco-report 300 isprinted. Therefore, it is unlikely that a portion of the display regionof the panel 104 is occupied by the notification all the time. Thisnotification is displayed when the user operates the panel 104.Therefore, the user who operates the operation unit may reliablyrecognize content of the notification. The notification will bedescribed in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

First, control performed when the MFP 100 is turned on will bedescribed. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process of an eco-reportrecommendation notification performed when the MFP 100 is turned on.

When the user operates the power switch 907, the MFP 100 is turned on(S600). When the CPU 101 operates, the MFP 100 determines whether theMFP 100 is turned on for the first time after the apparatus is shipped(S601). The determination is made based on apparatus information (ashipping flag) included in the RAM 103.

When the determination is negative (S601: No), the CPU 101 proceeds tostep S603.

When the determination is affirmative (S601: Yes), the CPU 101calculates an eco-report recommendation notification time and stores theeco-report recommendation notification time in the eco-reportrecommendation notification time 261 of the RAM 103. Note that a timingwhen the eco-report recommendation notification is performed isdetermined in advance in a program included in the ROM 102. In a casewhere the timing is 9:00 am in the 20th day of each month, the CPU 101determines 9:00 am in the next 20th day as an eco-report recommendationnotification time in accordance with information on a current time.Thereafter, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S603.

The CPU 101 obtains a current time (an execution time of an activationprocess) from the counter 118 and compares the current time with theeco-report recommendation notification time. Specifically, the CPU 101determines whether the current time has reached the eco-reportrecommendation notification time (S603). When the current time has notreached the eco-report recommendation notification time (S603: No), theCPU 101 terminates the process. On the other hand, when the current timehas reached the eco-report recommendation notification time (S603: Yes),the CPU 101 proceeds to step S604.

The CPU 101 determines whether the eco-report 300 has been printedwithin a predetermined period of time (S604). Specifically, the CPU 101compares the current time with information on the eco-report lastprinting date and time 262. Then the CPU 101 determines whether thecurrent time is different from the eco-report last printing date andtime 262 by at least the certain number of days. Note that the certainnumber of days is stored in the ROM 102 as day threshold information(not illustrated).

When it is determined that the eco-report 300 has been printed within apredetermined period of time (S604: Yes), the CPU 101 terminates theprocess. This is because the eco-report 300 was printed recently and anotification is not required. When it is determined that the eco-report300 has not been printed within the predetermined period of time (S604:No), the CPU 101 performs a notification process for prompting theeco-report printing (S605).

The notification process for prompting the eco-report printing will bedescribed in detail hereinafter.

According to the flow described above, it may be determined whether theeco-report recommendation notification time has elapsed when the MFP 100is turned on. When the eco-report printing has not been performed withinthe predetermined period of time, a notification for prompting theeco-report printing may be displayed. Since the notification isdisplayed when the power is on, the user who is positioned close to theMFP 100 so as to operate the power switch 907 may reliably recognizecontent of the notification displayed on the touch panel 901.

Next, control performed when the MFP 100 returns from a power savingstate will be described. The MFP 100 in the sleep state returns to thestandby state due to various reasons. Examples of the various returnreasons include a reception of a print job from the PC, a reception ofFAX, and a press of the power saving key 906 disposed on the panel 104.Here, a notification for prompting the eco-report printing is to bedisplayed when the power saving key 906 is pressed, that is, when theuser is seen to be reliably in front of the MFP 100. Therefore, in thisembodiment, a notification for prompting the eco-report printing isperformed when the MFP 100 returns when the power saving key 906 ispressed. Note that other methods may be employed as long as the usernear the MFP 100 may be detected. For example, a human detectablesensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor or an infrared sensor, may be used.However, the configuration of this embodiment which does not requiresuch a special sensor is preferable in terms of cost.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process of an eco-report notificationperformed when the MFP 100 returns from the power saving state.

When the MFP 100 returns from the sleep state for some reason (S700),the CPU 101 determines whether the reason of the return from the powersaving state corresponds to a press of the power saving key 906 (S701).Note that a return flag stored in the RAM 103 at a time of the return ofthe MFP 100 is used to determine the return reason. Different values arestored in the return flag for different return reasons.

When the return reason of the MFP 100 is not a press of the power savingkey 906 (S701: No), that is, when the return reason corresponds to aninput of a print job from the PC, for example, the CPU 101 terminatesthe process. Specifically, the CPU 101 does not display the notificationscreen 1000 on the touch panel 901.

On the other hand, when the return reason of the MFP 100 corresponds toa press of the power saving key 906 (S701: Yes), the CPU 101 proceeds tostep S702. Then the CPU 101 determines whether the current time hasreached the eco-report recommendation notification time (S702). When thecurrent time has not reached the eco-report recommendation notificationtime in step S702, the CPU 101 terminates the process. On the otherhand, when the current time has reached the eco-report recommendationnotification time in step S702, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S703.Thereafter, the CPU 101 determines whether the eco-report 300 has beenprinted within a predetermined period of time.

Specifically, the CPU 101 compares the current time with information onthe eco-report last printing date and time 262. Then the CPU 101determines whether the current time is different from the eco-reportlast printing date and time 262 by at least the certain number of days.Note that the certain number of days is stored in the ROM 102 as daythreshold information (not illustrated).

When it is determined that the eco-report 300 has been printed within apredetermined period of time (S703: Yes), the CPU 101 terminates theprocess. This is because the eco-report 300 was printed recently and anotification is not required. When it is determined that the eco-report300 has not been printed within the predetermined period of time (S703:No), the CPU 101 performs a notification process for promptingeco-report printing (S704).

According to the flow described above, the return reason may be checkedwhen the MFP 100 is recovered. When the return reason corresponds to apress of the power saving key 906 and the eco-report printing has notbeen performed within the predetermined period of time, a notificationfor prompting the eco-report printing may be displayed. Since thenotification is displayed when the MFP 100 returns from the power savingstate, the user who moved close to the MFP 100 so as to operate thepower saving key 906 may reliably recognize content of the notificationdisplayed on the touch panel 901.

Next, control performed after the notification for prompting theeco-report printing will be described. As the notification for promptingthe eco-report printing, the notification is to be reliably transmittedto the user. Simultaneously, operability of the panel 104 is not to bedeteriorated. Therefore, in this embodiment, the notification isdisplayed after it is determined that the user is positioned near theMFP 100, and the notification is deleted after a predetermined period oftime has elapsed. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of control performed after thenotification for prompting the eco-report printing is transmitted inthis embodiment.

When a condition for displaying the notification is satisfied, the CPU101 displays the notification screen 1000 for prompting the eco-reportprinting on the touch panel 901 (S801).

While the notification screen 1000 is displayed, the CPU 101 determineswhether the panel 104 has been operated (whether a key input has beenperformed) (S802). When a key input is detected (S802: Yes), the CPU 101proceeds to step S806. When a key input is not detected (S802: No), theCPU 101 proceeds to step S803. Thereafter, the CPU 101 measures (counts)a display time of the notification screen 1000 by the counter 118 untila key input is detected (S803: No). When a key input is not detected andthe display time of the notification screen 1000 becomes longer than apredetermined period of time (S803: Yes), the CPU 101 deletes thenotification screen 1000 for prompting the eco-report printing from thetouch panel 901 (S804). The deletion of the notification screen 1000corresponds to termination of the display of the notification screen1000. Here, the touch panel 901 is continuously lit and the main screen,such as the selection screen 1010, the input screen 1020, the selectionscreen 1030, or the print instruction screen 1040, is continuouslydisplayed. Specifically, the deletion of the notification screen 1000 isdifferent from turning off of the touch panel 901.

Furthermore, the deletion of the notification screen 1000 is differentfrom blinking of the notification screen 1000. When the notificationscreen 1000 blinks, display and non-display of the notification screen1000 are alternately performed while the touch panel 901 is turned on.On the other hand, when the notification screen 1000 is deleted, thenotification screen 1000 is not displayed until the condition issatisfied next. Therefore, when the notification screen 1000 is deleted,the notification screen 1000 is displayed only after the eco-reportrecommendation notification time elapses and the MFP 100 is turned onagain (turning on after turning off) or the MFP 100 returns from thesleep state.

Subsequently, the CPU 101 calculates a next eco-report recommendationnotification time and stores the next eco-report recommendationnotification time in the eco-report recommendation notification time 261in the RAM 103. Specifically, a timing when the eco-reportrecommendation notification is performed is determined in a programincluded in the ROM 102. In a case where it has been determined that thenotification is performed after 9:00 am in the 20th day of each month,the CPU 101 determines 9:00 am in the next 20th day as an eco-reportrecommendation notification time in accordance with information on acurrent time. After updating the eco-report recommendation notificationtime 261, the CPU 101 terminates the process.

When a key input has been performed using the panel 104 in step S802,the CPU 101 determines whether the input key has instructed theeco-report printing in step S806. While the notification screen 1000 isdisplayed, a long press of the reset key 902 corresponds to theinstruction for the eco-report printing. Therefore, when a long press ofthe reset key 902 is detected or the report execution button 1001 isselected (S806: Yes), the CPU 101 executes the eco-report printingprocess (S807). Then the CPU 101 deletes the notification screen 1000.Specifically, the notification screen 1000 is not displayed until thenext eco-report recommendation notification time.

When a long press of the reset key 902 is not detected or the reportexecution button 1001 is not selected (S806: No), the CPU 101 executes aprocess corresponding to the input key (S808). For example, the user mayselect an icon displayed in the selection screen 1010, the input screen1020, the selection screen 1030, or the print instruction screen 1040while the notification screen 1000 is displayed. Specifically, the usermay instruct execution of printing, scanning, and copying by operatingthe touch panel 901. Furthermore, the user may instruct execution ofprinting, scanning, and copying by pressing the selectable start key903.

According to the flow described above, the MFP 100 may perform thenotification for prompting the eco-report printing. Furthermore, the MFP100 may terminate the display of the notification screen 1000 when apredetermined period of time has elapsed after the display of thenotification screen 1000 is started. In addition, the user may performoperations using the panel 104 other than the instruction for printingthe eco-report 300 while the notification screen 1000 is displayed.

Here, the description above is made on the assumption that thenotification is uniformly performed for all users who operate the MFP100. However, the notification control described with reference to FIGS.6 to 8 may be employed only when a specific user logs in. For example,the notification screen 1000 may be displayed only when the displaycondition described above is satisfied and an administrator user logs inthe MFP 100. Specifically, control may be performed such that, if a userother than the administrator user logs in, the notification screen 1000is not displayed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the notification forprompting the eco-report printing may be periodically performed.Therefore, the user does not forget to print the eco-report 300. Thenotification is performed when the user is positioned near the MFP 100.Accordingly, the user may reliably recognize content of thenotification. This notification automatically disappears when a certainperiod of time has elapsed or after the eco-report 300 is printed.Therefore, deterioration of the operability of the panel 104 may besuppressed. The notification is displayed separately from the normaloperation screen of the panel 104. Therefore, the user may perform otheroperations even while the notification screen 1000 is displayed. Thatis, the deterioration of the operability of the panel 104 may besuppressed.

Note that, although the eco-report printing is taken as an example of apurpose of the notification, the notification may be performed for otherpurposes as long as printing is performed. For example, the MFP 100 mayperform a notification for prompting calibration of the printer 108.When calibration is performed in the MFP 100, first, a patch image isprinted on a sheet, and thereafter, the patch image on the sheet isscanned by the scanner 107 so that calibration data is generated.Specifically, when a notification screen for prompting the calibrationis displayed, the user may start printing of the patch image byperforming a long press on the reset key 902 or by selecting anexecution button. An image for printing is corrected using the generatedcalibration data so that the image forming apparatus may performprinting with desired quality.

However, the execution of the calibration considerably affects thequality of the output image when compared with the execution of theeco-report printing. Therefore, the notification for prompting theexecution of the calibration is preferably performed by pop-up so thatthe user securely determines whether the calibration is to be executed.On the other hand, the execution of the eco-report printing less affectsthe quality of the output image when compares with the execution of thecalibration. Accordingly, the notification for prompting the executionof the eco-report printing is performed in a method in which selectionis not forcedly performed as described in this embodiment.

Other Embodiments

The present disclosure may be also realized by executing the followingprocess. Specifically, software (programs) which realizes the functionsof the foregoing embodiment is supplied to a system or an apparatusthrough a network or various storage media, and a computer (or a CPU oran MPU) included in the system or the apparatus reads and executes theprograms. Note that a single storage medium or a plurality of storagemedia may be used as the various storage media. A single computer (or asingle CPU or a single MPU) or a plurality of computers (a plurality ofCPUs or a plurality of MPUs) may be employed in the apparatus.

Embodiment(s) of the present disclosure can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2016-072594 filed Mar. 31, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming apparatus including an imageforming unit for forming an image on a sheet and a display unit fordisplaying information for a user, the image forming apparatuscomprising: a controller having a processor for executing instructionsstored in a memory or having circuitry and being configured to: display,on the display unit, a screen including a first display region fordisplaying a notification for prompting execution of printing a reportindicating information on use states of the image forming apparatus anda second display region for causing the user to select print data as aprinting target, receive an instruction for executing the print processbased on the information on use states of the image forming apparatusafter the screen is displayed and cause the image forming unit to forman image based on the information on use states of the image formingapparatus, and receive an instruction for executing the print process onthe selected print data after the screen is displayed and cause theimage forming unit to form an image based on the selected print data. 2.The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising aplurality of physical buttons to be pressed including a first physicalbutton and a second physical button, wherein the controller further isconfigured to: receive an instruction for executing the print processbased on the information on use states of the image forming apparatus inresponse to a press of the first physical button after the screen isdisplayed, and receive an instruction for executing the print processbased on the selected print data in response to a press of the secondphysical button after the screen is displayed.
 3. The image formingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller further isconfigured to: display the screen on the display unit such that a firstobject is disposed in the first display region and a second object isdisposed in the second display region, receive an instruction forexecuting the print process based on the information on use states ofthe image forming apparatus when the first object is selected after thescreen is displayed, and receive an instruction for executing the printprocess based on the selected print data when the second object isselected after the screen is displayed.
 4. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein a predetermined name is assigned to thefirst object and a name different from the predetermined name isassigned to the second object.
 5. The image forming apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the screen is a first screen, and wherein thecontroller further is configured to cause the display unit to display asecond screen which does not have the first display region but has thesecond display region.
 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim5, wherein the controller further is configured to: obtain informationon a current time, and determine whether the first screen or the secondscreen is displayed in the display unit based on the current timeinformation.
 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6,wherein the controller further is configured to: display the firstscreen in the display unit when the information on the current timeindicates a time after a specific time, and display the second screen inthe display unit when the information on the current time indicates atime before the specific time.
 8. The image forming apparatus accordingto claim 5, wherein the controller further is configured to: display thefirst screen in the display unit when a login user is an administrationuser, and display the second screen in the display unit when the loginuser is not an administration user.
 9. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein the controller further is configured todisplay the second screen in the display unit when a predeterminedperiod of time has elapsed after the first screen is displayed.
 10. Theimage forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information onuse states of the image forming apparatus is based on print history. 11.The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising apower source configured to supply electric power, wherein the controllerfurther is configured to obtain electric power information associatedwith power consumption of the power source, and wherein the informationon use states of the image forming apparatus is based on the electricpower information.
 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the controller further is configured to obtain print data froman external apparatus.
 13. The image forming apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a reading unit configured to read adocument, wherein the controller is configured to cause the reading unitto read the document so as to obtain print data.
 14. An image formingapparatus including an image forming unit for forming an image on asheet, the image forming apparatus comprising: an operation unitincluding a screen to display information for a user; and a displaycontrol unit configured to control to display a first display region anda second display region on the screen, wherein the first display regionis a region for displaying a notification for prompting execution ofprinting a report indicating information on use states of the imageforming apparatus, wherein the second display region is a region forcausing the user to select print data as a printing target, and whereinthe display control unit is configured to control to display the firstdisplay region on the screen in a case where a user operates the imageforming apparatus through the operation unit after predetermined timehas elapsed.
 15. The image forming apparatus comprising according toclaim 14, wherein the display control unit is configured to control notto display the first display region on the screen in a case where it isdetermined that the operation unit is not operated by the user evenafter the predetermined time has elapsed.
 16. The image formingapparatus comprising according to claim 14, wherein the display controlunit is configured to control to display the first display region in acase where the user turns on power of the image forming apparatusthrough the operation unit after the predetermined time has elapsed. 17.The image forming apparatus comprising according to claim 14, whereinthe display control unit is configured to control to delete the firstdisplay region from the screen after predetermined time has elapsedsince a start of display of the first display region.
 18. A method forcontrolling an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet,wherein the image forming unit includes an operation unit including ascreen to display information for a user, the method comprising:controlling to display a first display region and a second displayregion on the screen, wherein the first display region is a region fordisplaying a notification for prompting execution of printing a reportindicating information on use states of the image forming apparatus,wherein the second display region is a region for causing the user toselect print data as a printing target, and wherein controlling furtherincludes controlling to display the first display region on the screenin a case where a user operates the image forming apparatus through theoperation unit after predetermined time has elapsed.